Optimal robust control of a contactless brake system using an eddy current

As vehicle speed increases, a more powerful brake system is required to ensure vehicle safety and its reliability. A contactless eddy current brake (ECB) is developed to take the superior advantages of fast anti-lock braking to the conventional hydraulic brake systems. Braking torque analysis is performed by using an approximate theoretical model and the model is modified through experiments to have a more reliable result. Designs of an ECB for a scaled model for demonstration and actual vehicle model are performed. Optimal torque control which minimizes a braking distance is achieved by maintaining a desired slip ratio corresponding to the road condition. Optimal controller which is robust to the varying road friction coefficients is designed by using a sliding mode controller, Simulation and experimental results for a scaled model are presented. to investigate the performance of a contactless ECB. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.